This Californian oasis gained notoriety in the ‘40s as Hollywood’s playground, when actors could stray no further than two hours from the studios. Now, the likes of Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and hip designer hotels are attracting a modern day cognoscenti in search of pleasure, says Shannon Harley.
5am: Sunrise Safari
Set your alarm for the one-hour drive to Joshua Tree National Park and watch the sunrise over the vast expanse of desert. On the return trip, stop at Ernest Coffee (1101 N Palm Canyon Dr) for a caffeine x or Palm Greens Cafe (611 S Palm Canyon Dr) for superfood smoothies.
11am: Brunch Club
Dust off the desert sand for brunch at Norma’s at the Parker (4200 E Palm Canyon Drive), the uber-stylish Jonathan Adler-designed hotel. Eggs Benedict comes five ways; just add a martini.
12.30pm: Rancho Relaxo
The valley is a wellbeing mecca thanks to the healing spa waters. Escape the intense heat of the day with an organic pamper session at Spa Las Palmas (41000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage).
2pm: Inside Scoop
The region is famed for date plantations, and the date ice cream at Ice Cream & Shop(pe) (Arrive Hotel, 1551 N Palm Canyon Dr) is well worth a try.
3pm: Behind Closed Doors
Want to see where Marilyn holidayed, Elvis and Priscilla honeymooned and Frank Sinatra partied? Historian Michael Stern (themoderntour.com) knows all about Palm Springs’ iconic buildings and, more excitingly, their notorious owners.
6pm: Dizzying Heights
For sunset views across the Coachella Valley, take the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up Mt St Jacinto, a dizzying 2500 metres above sea level.
8pm: Work It
Workshop Kitchen & Bar (800 N Palm Canyon Dr) offers mod farm-to-table share plates, left- field wines and craft cocktails.
10:30pm: Dream Home
Photographer Jamie Kowal has two boutique properties, which are as Instagrammable as they are comfortable. The Amado is a classic mid-century modern pad, while The Junipero is a ‘40s hacienda. Generous bedrooms, indoor-outdoor dining, fire pits, pools… leaving is hard.
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